Dialing Back

This is the view I have this morning as I sit here in my dining area/work space…

Deck View.jpg

I finally finished grading yesterday and can now begin to catch up on other things.

I am working through emails, need to watch some videos for people, make a couple of how-to-train-this videos, and so on — I have a list, of course.

And then, I will begin to shut things down and limit my commitments.

Life in a Pandemic is hard stuff. It just surrounds us — like persistent low fog — demanding a certain number of Little Soldiers just to navigate through it. This means we wake up with only 40 - 50 Little Soldiers each day instead of the usual 100; the rest are on Pandemic Duty.

We must not expect those 40 - 50 remaining Little Soldiers to do the work of 100, and so that means we MUST dial back and lower expectations of self and others. Nobody is helped when our finite coping resources are collapsed in a sobbing, exhausted heap.

I intend to not simply say that to others but also model what that looks like. I believe we can be kind, compassionate, and loving to others only when we do the same for ourselves.

In about ten days the long awaited K Litter is due.

Daisy Rey

Daisy Rey

Most of my available Little Soldiers will be happily on duty at Puppy Central. This includes, of course, sharing the Puppy Love with all of you — every single day.

After all, who cannot use some Puppy Love in a Pandemic?

Growing!

Daisy moves to four meals a day now from her usual of three. As you can see from this photo I took minutes ago, things are getting crowded in there…

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That is Harper behind her — normally, they are similar in size.

I am a fan of variety when it comes to feeding dogs because I am not convinced anyone has the right and true answer, and yes — sometimes discussion of how and what to feed dogs feels a bit like which church one should attend.

Food is more than simply calories and nutrients — the gut microbiome needs to be considered as well, for example — and so I do my best with the available and changing information that exists about healthy eating. Our dogs eat cooked homemade food and different kibbles and sardines once or twice a week and so on — a variety of foods, including whole foods, in moderation.

A healthy and sound puppy starts with a healthy pregnancy. In addition to a good diet, Daisy has been taking a quality fish oil supplement and enjoys regular walks. However, all vigorous activities — like agility — stopped when she was bred and because we know stress impacts developing babies, Daisy’s life is easy and happy.

And speaking of happy, this is Claire from this morning’s walk…

Claire May 2020.jpg

Anything wet is Claire’s Happy Place.

I hope your Wednesday is wonderful!

Membership Matters

Have you seen the new educational benefits available to BMDCA members through streaming Berner U? I am doing a presentation today…

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They are developing an entire series - you can learn more HERE

There are so many good reasons to be a member of the BMDCA — and this series is just one more. Membership info can be found HERE

Have a fantastic Tuesday! Once I am done grading, mine will be even better.